adminclothes from Mozambique using a service lorry through Penhalonga, north of Mutare.
Tonderai Mugoti (35) and Shepherd Nyika (29) based at Rusape Remand Prison were arrested last Wednesday following a tip off.
The two have since appeared in court and are out on US$100 bail, each.
At around 11am on July 20, police patrolling in Muchena area in Penhalonga, received information that the two were trying to smuggle into Zimbabwe, bales of second hand clothes and that they were near Sheeba Estate.
Acting on the tip off, police laid an ambush along Christmas Pass-Stanlieford Road and saw the ZPS Nissan Truck, which was being driven by Mugoti. Police stopped them and searched the truck.
They discovered the 98 bales allegedly being smuggled into the country, leading to the arrest of the two.
Mugoti and Nyika are facing three charges – smuggling, criminal abuse of duty and driving a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner.
Cases of smuggling of goods and clothes are on the increase especially near the borders where most people would try to evade paying duty to the relevant authorities.
Such cases are rampant mostly at Nyamapanda, Forbes, Beitbridge and Chirundu border posts.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu